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802.11b and 802.11g access points. It will not detect
802.11a signals.
Site survey
- Use the scanner to determine where your
home or office coverage extends, and where the optimal
locations for use of the network are.
Security
- The scanner can be used to determine whether
your home or office network is "leaky". The device can
detect whether your access point's signal extends beyond
your walls, and whether it is secured. The scanner can also
help you detect "rogue" access points.
About WiFi Networks
The scanner provides the following information about a
WiFi network: SSID, signal strength, encryption status and
channel.
SSID
The SSID is the name given a network by a network
operator to distinguish the network from other networks. An
SSID may be distinctive enough that it will allow you to
distinguish a public network from a network that is intended
for public use. Public WiFi service providers often configure
their networks to display an SSID that is similar to the
service provider's name.
For example, if the scanner shows a network with a
"wayport_access" SSID or a "t-mobile" SSID, you are likely
to be able to access a commercial WiFi hotspot, as these
SSIDs are commonly used by Wayport and T-Mobile, two
commercial hotspot providers.
By contrast, a "default" SSID or an SSID that contains the
name of an access point manufacturer may indicate that a
network is operated by a home user that has not specifically
configured the SSID of his or her network.
With most access points, it is possible to disable the
broadcast of an SSID. If the scanner detects an access
